October book

Yup, just one book finished. Mainly due to an abandonment and a library recall of one I hadn't finished.

The Keeper of Secrets - Judith Cutler



This caught my eye in the library, and I read it in one go (more or less) on the train to Kent on friday (so it just snuck in and allowed me to have one finish this month). This is an excellent mystery - the characters are good, the setting spot-on, and the the writing outstanding. I hope I find more by her to read.
Written in the first person, so we only know what the main character knows, which I feel adds to the mystery. There are no cut scenes to the crimes. Not a period I would normally read (early 19th century), but I am glad I ventured out of my comfort zone.

The abandonment was a book about American politics (Red state, blue state, rich state, poor state). I suspect it would have been as interesting as it sounded, but it was just too technical and statistical for me.

October Films

Just 2 this month, so no real need for a cut

Mary Poppins

Caught this on tv, and I had forgotten how good it was (in places). In particular the way the sets look like a misty drawing of London at times, which I found really effective. The familiarity of the plot and the songs never goes away (I could still recite it almost word for word), nor does the cringe-worthiness of Dick Van Dyke's accent ;)

The Mummy Returns

Finally got round to seeing this courtesy of Film Flex. Really enjoyed it. Just the right level of silliness - but with a plot that works. Filled in a few holes in the plots though, as I had seen the rest. The bus scene in particular was hilarious ;)

(no subject)

( f-list courtesy cut )